January 8, 2003
Source: www.lvcup.com

In a submission to the jury from a Challenger syndicate, questions were asked about the use of radar [Editor's Note: Questions arising from suspicions regarding what is inside the stern-mounted electronics pod nicked-named "the goose" on Oracle]. After circulating this and other related questions to the remaining Challengers and Defender, the America's Cup International Jury issued a ruling prohibiting the use of radar or laser finders on board the yachts during racing.

The basis of their ruling was condition 19.1 of the notice of race which prohibits yachts from carrying on board while racing any equipment capable of receiving or transmitting communications or signals.

Laser range finders have been a common sight aboard some boats during the series so far, but unless the remaining Challengers and Defender can come a to a mutual agreement on the use of such devices, such equipment has been outlawed.

So starting with the Louis Vuitton Final - for the first time since the beginning of the Louis Vuitton Cup Competition - teams will only have the hand held bearing compass pucks and their wits to determine bearing and guage.

Oracle's Controversial Orb - "The Goose"